AS the Bangi PAS lodged a police report against Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming yesterday (Dec 30) for openly staging a Christmas do involving Muslim staff in a government premises, human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim is laughing her heart out at the Islamist party for wanting to sue to the DAP vice-chairman.
This follows a statement by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan that legal action will be initiated on Nga over his “cowardly” accusations and malicious slander that PAS is “a deviant party”, “spreading deviant teachings”, “exploiting religion”, “damaging societal harmony” and “blocking Christmas celebrations”.
“It’s PAS which caused tension … honestly, all the staff at the ministry were in a merry mood celebrating Christmas but when PAS got shot at, it threatens court action against Nga … PAS is seriously funny,” Siti Kasim hit out in a Facebook video.
“Is PAS sleeping all these while for everyone has been accusing PAS as riding high on religion (to gain political mileage) even to the extent of claiming that one can go to heaven by becoming a PAS member? Isn’t this a deviant teaching?
“Also, you’re the one who disrupt societal harmony in Malaysia – not Nga or DAP.”
As no government agencies or ministries which have openly organised religious celebrations other than Muslim-related festivities at government premises, Siti Kasim contended that “it’s about time that Nga takes the lead as the country has multi-faith citizens”.
“So don’t be jealous that Nga is earning the limelight for his effort … after all, this is for government agencies/ministries to acknowledge/respect that we’re a multi-religious society and all religious festivity should be celebrated,” asserted the Orang Asli advocate.
Ample evidence
“What do you mean by leading to tension and a dark chapter because you’re the dark chapter in this country by incessantly wanting to be the gatekeeper of a faith by controlling what the Malay Muslims can and cannot do.”
In Siti Kasim’s view, the accusation levelled by Nga who is also the Teluk Intan MP on PAS “is not far off (the mark)”.
“He has many, many evidence to prove … just bring the case to court and see if you (PAS) can win the case.
“As a lawyer and political party leader, Nga is obviously aware of his limitations … in fact, we need more of Nga Kor Mings given if Malay ministers are not brave enough to take the lead (to organise non-Muslim festivities), just let other races take charge.
“It’s fine if the Malays Muslims don’t wish to participate for I don’t think he (Nga) forced the staff to join for everyone seemed happy and merry … is not that everyone worship Jesus even though he’s a recognised prophet (in Islam).”
As for explanation from the Federal Territories mufti’s office from Dec 24, 2023 regarding the legality of Muslims joining Christmas carolling, Siti Kasim has this to add:
“The mufti can say whatever he wants but his opinion is merely an opinion. Muslims are not obliged to follow what the mufti said … only in Malaysia is the mufti’s opinion becomes law.
“In essence, PAS is the real cause of tension in race relations or a disruptor in religious harmony in the quest to portray themselves as defender of Islam.
“I’m afraid that we’re unable to move forward unless we can find a solution to stop this nonsense or to curb political parties from politicising religion … as it is, PAS can take the matter to court but at the ned of the day, they’ll remain at the losing end.” – Dec 31, 2024
